Marisa Simonetti has embraced controversy since her June arrest for fifth-degree assault, a misdemeanor, after allegedly tossing a large spider (possibly a tarantula) and other items down a staircase at her Edina residence.
Numerous revelations about her past have surfaced since then, including the claim that she had an OnlyFans account. Running as the conservative candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner in District 6, Simonetti, 30, never directly addressed whether she did or not, only referring to it as “alleged.”
That changed Thursday night.
On the podcast “Other Words for Whxre,” Simonetti dropped a bombshell. “Hi, I’m Marisa Simonetti. I’m running for Hennepin County commissioner, and I’m a professional whore.”
She confirmed that she operates an OnlyFans account under the handle “Jennie Kennedy XO.” OnlyFans is a platform where creators can share content with subscribers who pay for access, often to explicit or adult-themed material. Simonetti acknowledged that her content on the site is adult-themed.
During the podcast, Simonetti spoke candidly about her OnlyFans account, stating, “This is really actually the first (time) that I’ve really come out and made any full connection here today. This is our story, and we get to take our power back. I’m going to say what I want to say when I want to say it.”
The podcast episode, “Jennie Kennedy, the Tarantula Tosser,” was posted on Friday, July 26, but it was filmed live on YouTube the previous night. The show, based in the Twin Cities, features explicit discussions centered around the experiences of sex workers.
“I feel like it doesn’t matter what someone’s past is,” Simonetti added. “If they care about being someone, creating a life for their families, for the community, making a positive impact, it doesn’t matter about your past. Go and do it. And accept no shame.”
When asked if she would continue her OnlyFans page if elected, she joked, “It’s going to be from the boardroom to the bedroom.”
On Sunday, Simonetti explained her reasons for confirming her OnlyFans account on the podcast.
“My intention is so that everyone can stop wondering because this is truly boring and petty gossip,” she said to Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN). “It’s time to move on to the real issues.”
If elected, Simonetti said she plans to reduce property taxes and address crime. She will also participate in a League of Women Voters panel on Sept. 11 and speak at a business event on Tuesday.
Election context
Earlier this month, Heather Edelson, the incumbent and Simonetti’s opponent in the upcoming Nov. 5 election, criticized Simonetti’s actions.
“Some of my opponent’s actions seek to undercut the serious, meaningful work women leaders are doing here in our state and nationally, and that is disappointing,” Edelson wrote in a statement. “Her behavior is not reflective of the balanced leadership our district requires.”
In turn, Simonetti accused Edelson of focusing on Simonetti’s personal challenges instead of addressing key issues. She contrasted herself as a proactive problem solver who intends to “do more with less.”
Edelson, 43, is a former DFL state representative who won a May 14 special election to complete the term of Chris LaTondresse, who resigned last fall. Simonetti, a political newcomer, was the runner-up among six candidates in the April primary, with the top two advancing to May 14.
The winner of the Nov. 5 general election will serve a full four-year term starting in January 2025. District 6 includes 66 precincts, including six in northern Eden Prairie (precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8).
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